Android 8.1 Developer Preview

Android 8.1 is official: you can download the first preview for developers

A few months ago we finally met Android 8.0 Oreo with all its novelties and, with this new version, the manufacturers began to announce as quickly as possible the terminals that would see that update and the approximate time. With the arrival of the Pixel 2, in addition, Android 8.1 was expected to come with some new features, but finally it was not like that.

However, Google announced that the developer preview of Android 8.1 can now be downloaded in compatible devices and, in addition, the final version we would see in December of this year. If your phone meets the requirements and you are brave enough, we explain how you can have Android 8.1 in its first previous version.

Just a few weeks after the introduction of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, and exactly two months after the announcement of Android Oreo, Google today made official the new version of its operating system: Android 8.1 Oreo.

This new edition corresponding to API 27, is available from today in the form of Developer Preview, and will receive updates within the beta program until the final version, which should arrive next December according to the statements of the great G.

Do not miss our analysis: Android 8 Oreo, in-depth analysis and opinion

The first previous version of Android 8.1 can now be downloaded as a factory image from the official website for Android developers. Google, as always, indicates which devices are compatible with this version:

Nexus 5X
Nexus 6P
Pixel C
Pixel
Pixel XL
Pixel 2
Pixel 2 XL

Those users who are already part of the Android Beta Program - of which Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL still do not benefit - will receive the update via OTA in the coming days. The rest, they will have to install the update package manually, as long as they have an unlocked bootloader. The second preview will arrive in mid-November, and the final update of Android 8.1 is scheduled for next December.

At the moment the list of changes to the full that comes with this update is unknown. However, it is expected that Google has finally enabled the co-processor Pixel Visual Core integrated into their new pair of devices, responsible for enhancing-even more-their photographic capabilities.

Since it is a previous version, it is possible that operating errors could arise. Therefore, only the installation of this update is recommended for advanced users, and on devices that are not used as primary. Anyway, if you want to proceed with the installation of the new version, it is advisable to back up all the data in case something goes wrong.